Definition of Intussusception
Intussusception: Telescoping (prolapse) of a portion
of the intestine within another immediately adjacent portion of
intestine. This decreases the supply of blood to the affected part of
the intestine, and frequently leads to intestinal obstruction. The
pressure created by the two walls of the intestine pressing together
causes inflammation, swelling, and reduces the blood flow. Death of
bowel tissue can occur, with significant bleeding, perforation,
abdominal infection, and shock occurring very rapidly. Most cases of
intussusception occur in children between five months and one year of
age. Boys are affected three times more often than girls. The cause
of intussusception is not known, although viral infections of the
intestine may contribute to intussusception in infancy. In older
children or adults, the presence of polyps or a tumor may trigger the
intussusception. Early diagnosis is very important. Symptoms begin
with sudden, loud crying in an infant, with the baby drawing the
knees up to the chest while crying. This reaction is caused by
abdominal cramping. The pain and crying is intermittent, but recurs
frequently, and increases in intensity and duration. Fever is common.
As the condition progresses, the infant becomes weak and then shows
signs of shock, including pale color, lethargy, and sweating. About
half of afflicted infants pass a bloody, mucousy ("currant jelly")
stool. On examining the abdomen, the doctor may feel a mass.
Abdominal X-rays may suggest intestinal obstruction, but a barium
enema is needed to show the characteristic telescoping of the
bowel.
Treatment may or may not require surgery. In some cases,
the intestinal obstruction can be reduced with a barium enema by a
radiologist. (There is a risk of bowel perforation with this
procedure, so it cannot be performed if perforation has already
occurred). If the obstruction cannot be reduced by a barium enema,
surgery is needed to reduce the intussusception, relieve the
obstruction, and remove any dead tissue. Intravenous feeding and
fluid are continued until a normal bowel movement has passed.
Although intussusception is life-threatening, the outlook is good
with early treatment.
Last Editorial Review: 2/8/1999
- Barium Enema - Read about the barium enema procedure used as a diagnostic tool to diagnose conditions such as diverticulitis, colon polyps, colonic abscesses, cancer, and Hirschsprung disease.
- Abdominal Pain - Learn about abdominal pain (pain in the stomach / abdomen) including causes, symptoms, how abdominal pain is diagnosed, and how abdominal pain is treated.
- Rectal Bleeding - Rectal bleeding can be a sign of several different conditions including hemorrhoids, anal fisure, colitis, and more.
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